Common Gotchas
• There’s no way to predict every possible roadblock in one column, but here are a few things to think about as you explore your project management options. These apply generally, not only to the software listed on the chart.
• The majority of “scheduling modules” on the chart use a minimum task duration of one day. That won’t work at all if you’re a pro handyman, service contractor, or any specialty trade that does multiple jobs in any given day.
• Some of the estimating modules work only at the job-cost category level (lump sum). If you need to estimate, job-cost, or do your purchasing at line-item detail, make sure the software you’re considering supports it; otherwise, you’ll be forced to supplement with spreadsheets.
• Most accountants recommend that remodelers recognize income using the percent complete method. But some remodeler accounting modules only allow the completed contract method.
• Most residential remodelers want to use a cost code system that is chronological (start with demo or foundation and end with final trim and touch-up). Commercial remodelers often prefer the CSI ( Construction Specifications Institute) method. Some, but not all project management software will recognize both.
• Not all “remodeling” project management software supports time-and-materials or cost-plus contracts or billing methods. If you do even a few jobs per year this way, be sure the software you’re considering supports it.
• The time to figure out that the products or services you’re considering are not a good fit for your business is before you start writing the checks not after you’ve wasted a year trying to make something work that was never intended for your type of business in the first place.
Generic vs. Industry-Specific
Don’t toss out the idea of using generic software for project management. Industry-specific software is wonderful when it works exactly the way you do, but that’s a tall order. There are as many ways to run a remodeling business as there are remodelers, so it should be no surprise that pre-built packages won’t work for everyone. You always have the option of stringing together several best-of-breed (single purpose) generic applications to create your own project management system.
Today, cloud-based generic software is getting very good at “talking” to each other. I’ve included a few of my favorite generic tools at the bottom of the chart. For example, Toodle-do or Trello ( task tracking) plus Dropbox (document management) plus Evernote (general project information management) plus your office suite can take you a long way, particularly for small-volume remodelers. Add one of the cloud-based accounting applications (and a good helping of elbow grease to get everything set up) and you’re in business for a fraction of the cost of most industry-specific solutions.
